Is participative ergonomics associated with better working environment and health? A study among Swedish white-collar VDU users

Abstract This study examined cross-sectional and prospective associations among (1) worker participation (and empowerment) in efforts to improve the working environment, (2) integration of ergonomics and core organizational concerns (i.e., work organization, quality, and productivity), and (3) working environment and health indicators. A sample of 40 groups of white-collar visual display unit users from 11 private and public Swedish organizations was studied. Participation was consistently associated with demands (−), social support (+), and stress (−), while integration was consistently associated with social support (+) and stress (−). Neither participation nor integration was consistently associated with job control, quality of work environment modifications, comfort, or prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints. Participation and integration were strongly correlated. Participation/integration may be of particular relevance when managing problems related to demands, social support, and stress. Participation/integration may also be more difficult to achieve when demands and stress are high and social support is low. Relevance to industry Worker participation and integration of ergonomics and core organizational concerns (work organization, quality and productivity) have been reported to be important factors behind successful ergonomic intervention work. This study examined quantitative relations between these factors and working environment and health indicators. The results presented here may be used to guide the design of future ergonomic interventions.